Treasure Hunt Preschool Party Game

By Charlene Haukom

The Treasure Hunt Preschool Party Game is a preschool game, preschool craft, and preschool education all wrapped up in one fun preschool party activity! Preschoolers can decorate a treasure chest, hunt for hidden treasures, and learn how to use a compass!

What You Will Need

Party Favors, 1 per preschooler
Treasure Chest
Treasures
Compass or Compass Clips
Paper
Markers or Crayons
Star Stickers
String or Ribbon
Large Bowl or Bag

How to Play

Before the party

1. Have your party favors ready – 1 favor per preschooler. If your party is small, consider using favor sets to build anticipation for your preschoolers.

2. Place a star sticker on one of the favors. If using a favor set, put the star on one of the favors in the set prior to placing the set in a favor bag. You could also add an additional trinket to one of the favor sets rather than using a star sticker.

3. Hide the favors around the room or yard. *Note: see below for instructions for the starred favor.

4. Create treasure maps for each of the favors with the paper, markers and crayons. Try to give each preschooler 4 stops so each direction on the compass can be used. See a sample map.

If you’re short on time, you can simply make a list with directions. An example would be:
a. Take 4 giant steps to the west.
b. Take 3 medium steps to the north.
c. Take 5 baby steps to the east, then turn to the right.
d. Take 2 giant steps to the north.

5. Roll up each map and tie with a ribbon.

6. Place the maps in a large bowl or bag.

7. Fill the treasure chest with treasures.

8. Hide the treasure chest.

9. Create one extra treasure map leading from the starred favor to the chest. Keep this map separate from the others.

During the Party

1. Give each preschooler a compass clip. If using one main compass, then the preschoolers will need to take turns hunting for treasure.

2. Let the preschoolers choose a rolled treasure map from the bowl.

3. Hunt for treasure! You’ll probably need to explain how to use a compass. If you’re using compass clips, check in with preschoolers frequently. If none of the preschoolers have used compasses before, then let them hunt one at a time. They’ll still have fun following their own special map and you’ll have an easier time guiding them.

4. The preschooler who finds the starred favor wins the treasure chest – but s/he has to find it first! Give the winning preschooler the last treasure map and start hunting.

Make the Treasure Hunt Preschool Party Game More Crafty

The Treasure Hunt Preschool Party Game can be more than just a game! Turn this preschool party game into a preschool party craft activity. Let the preschoolers decorate a Treasure Chest Craft Box before filling and hiding. An old shoe box would work just as well. You’ll still need to have the favors and maps ready to go prior to the party, which means you’ll need to know exactly where to hide the chest once it’s completed.

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